Here are some tips for how to throw an awesome tailgate party this football season.
Sponsored Content, By Chelsea Bancroft, Photo by RJ Gilliam
It’s no secret: University of Texas football rules fall Saturdays in Austin. More women are getting into the game. In fact, 45 percent of the NFL viewing audience is women, and more than 17 million women are playing fantasy football now. Here are some tips for how to throw an awesome tailgate party this football season.
Get your vehicle ready.
Clean out your car beforehand to make sure you have enough room for all your tailgating supplies. Consider covering your car’s seats with washable covers, towels or blankets for the big day so you can avoid any unfortunate spills or stains. A tarp is a great option for the trunk if you’re going to be serving food from there. Make sure you have jumper cables and a spare-tire kit, just in case.
Show your pride.
You wear your team’s colors, and so should your vehicle! Show your team pride by decking out your vehicle with your team’s flags, bumper stickers or even a customized license plate. Flags or balloons can also help your friends find you in a sea of other tailgaters.
Prep food ahead of time.
Try to prep as much of the food ahead of time as you can, including chopping, marinating and precooking whatever can be reheated. If you’re planning to get out there early (which you should), consider prepping and packing as much food as you can the night before tailgating.
Don’t forget the essentials.
Be sure to have plenty of all the tailgating essentials on game day: food, drinks, trash bags, tables, chairs, utensils for cooking, koozies, plates and eating utensils, toilet paper/paper towels, a bottle opener, a first-aid kit, foil, coolers, cleanup products, extension cords, phone chargers, sun block and bug repellent, etc.
Organize your gear.
Packing all your gear in clear drawers is the best way to organize your tailgating essentials. Since the drawers are clear, you’ll be able to easily find everything. Tool boxes are a great option for keeping your grilling tools organized.
Check out the big game in style.
Portable satellite receivers and antennas allow you to watch the game right from your tailgate location. You can purchase tow-hitch accessories that allow you to mount a TV, so bring that big screen along and cheer on your team from the comfort of your tailgating spot. If you’re going to listen to the game on the radio instead, opt for a great speaker system.
Most importantly, have a great time. If you are going to be drinking, plan ahead and have a designated driver. Hook ’em, Horns!
Chelsea Bancroft is the strategic-partnerships and social-media manager at Roger Beasley Mazda and a blogger at onechelofanadventure.com.